2011 Hyundai Sonata
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Steering is the leading concern among 3,376 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the highest complaint count among 26 Sonata model years with reports.
Of the 2011 reports, 116 involved a crash and 112 involved a fire. 85 people were injured and 3 people died.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
EngineDec 28, 2018
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2011-2014 Sonata and 2013-2014 Santa Fe Sport vehicles previously repaired under recall numbers 15V-568 and 17V-226. The high pressure fuel pipe that connects to the fuel pump outlet may have been damaged, misaligned, or improperly torqued during the engine replacement procedure, allowing fuel to leak from the pipe.
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the fuel pipe, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began March 1, 2019. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's recall number for this recall is 180.
Campaign 18V934000 on NHTSA.gov
Seat belts, pretensionerFeb 27, 2018
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2011-2013 Sonata and 2011-2012 Sonata Hybrid vehicles. On February 27, 2018, Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) notified NHTSA that they were recalling 154,753 model year 2011 Sonata vehicles. On April 18, 2018, Hyundai expanded the recall to include an additional 425,305 model year 2012-2013 Sonata and 2011-2012 Sonata Hybrid vehicles. In the event of a crash, the air bag control unit (ACU) may short circuit, preventing the frontal air bags, seat belt pretensioners, and side air bags from deploying.
If the frontal air bags, seat belt pretensioners, and side air bags are disabled, there is an increased risk of injury to the vehicle occupants in the event of a vehicle crash that necessitates deployment of these safety systems.
Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will install an external wire filter kit, free of charge. The recall began October 15, 2018. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 174.
Campaign 18V137000 on NHTSA.gov
Seat belts, pretensionerOct 4, 2017
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2011-2014 Sonata and 2011-2015 Sonata Hybrid vehicles previously repaired under recall campaign 17V-152. The seat belt linkages for both front seat belts may detach from the seat belt anchor pretensioners.
If the seat belt linkage detaches from the seat belt anchorage, it can not properly restrain the occupant in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will again verify the connection between the seat belt linkage and the pretensioner and additionally install a warning label to prevent future seat belt linkage detachment, free of charge. The recall began November 6, 2017. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 169.
Campaign 17V617000 on NHTSA.gov
Seat belts, front, anchorageMar 8, 2017
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2011-2014 Sonata and 2011-2015 Sonata Hybrid vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the seat belt linkages for both front seat belts may detach from the seat belt anchor pretensioners.
In the event of a crash, if the seat belts detach from the anchor pretensioners, it can increase the risk of injury.
Hyundai will notify owners and dealers will inspect the connection between the seat belt linkages and the seat belt anchor pretensioners, repairing them as necessary, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin April 7, 2017. Owner's may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for the recall is 160.
Campaign 17V152000 on NHTSA.gov
Steering, electric power assist systemApr 5, 2016
Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2011 Sonata vehicles manufactured December 11, 2009, to October 31, 2010. In the affected vehicles, the Electronic Power Steering (EPS) circuit board may be damaged and result in a loss of power steering assist.
With a loss of power steering assist, extra steering effort will be required, especially at lower speeds, increasing the risk of a crash.
Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the EPS control unit, free of charge. The recall began May 30, 2016. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9640. Hyundai's number for this recall is 143.
Campaign 16V190000 on NHTSA.gov
Exterior lighting, brake lights, switchNov 16, 2015
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain model 2011-2012 Sonata vehicles. The brake pedal stopper pad can deteriorate allowing the brake light switch plunger to remain extended when the brake pedal is released.
If the brake light switch plunger does not retract as it should when the brake pedal is not being pressed, the brake lights may stay illuminated preventing accurate communication to rearward following vehicles that the vehicle is slowing or stopping. Additionally, if the brake switch plunger is not retracted, then the transmission can be shifted out of PARK without depressing the brake pedal. Either condition increases the risk of a crash.
Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake pedal stopper pad with an improved part, free of charge. The recall began on January 6, 2016. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-671-3059. Hyundai's number for this recall is 136.
Campaign 15V759000 on NHTSA.gov
Suspension, front, springs, coil springsOct 7, 2015
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2011 Elantra vehicles manufactured November 12, 2010, to March 31, 2011, and Sonata vehicles manufactured December 11, 2009, to February 28, 2010, originally sold in, or currently registered in, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, Wisconsin and the District of Columbia. Road salt may corrode the front coil springs, possibly resulting in the coil springs fracturing.
If a front coil spring fractures, it may contact the tire, possibly puncturing it, increasing the risk of a crash.
Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front coil springs, free of charge. Interim notifications were mailed on November 17, 2015. The recall began on January 6, 2016. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-671-3059. Hyundai's number for this recall is 133. Note: Vehicles that were previously registered in salt belt states but are currently registered elsewhere are eligible to be inspected and repaired.
Campaign 15V629000 on NHTSA.gov
EngineSep 10, 2015
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 Sonata vehicles manufactured December 11, 2009, to April 12, 2012 at Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama and equipped with either a 2.0 liter or 2.4 liter Gasoline Direct injection engine. In the affected vehicles, metallic debris may not have been fully removed during manufacturing of the engine crankshaft. If the debris was not completely removed, oil flow may be restricted through the connecting rod bearings, causing connecting rod damage. A worn connecting rod bearing will produce a metallic, cyclic knocking noise from the engine and possible engine failure.
Engine failure would result in a vehicle stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the vehicles and replace the engine assembly, as necessary, free of charge. Additionally, Hyundai Motor America will increase the warranty for the engine sub-assembly (short block) to 10 years/120,000 miles for both original and subsequent owners of 2011 and 2012 Sonatas manufactured at Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama equipped with 2.0 liter and 2.4 liter Gasoline Direct injection engines. Interim notifications were mailed to owners starting on October 8, 2015. A second notification will be mailed when parts are available. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-671-3059 or by visiting www.HyundaiUSA.com/Campaign132. Hyundai's number for this recall is 132.
Campaign 15V568000 on NHTSA.gov
Power train, automatic transmissionJul 18, 2014
Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2011-2014 Sonata vehicles manufactured December 11, 2009, through May 29, 2014. In the affected vehicles, the transmission shift cable may detach from from the shift lever pin.
If the transmission shift cable detaches, the transmission gear selection may not match the indicated gear and the vehicle may move in an unintended or unexpected direction, increasing the risk of a crash. Furthermore, when the driver parks the vehicle, despite selecting the 'PARK' position, the transmission may not be in 'PARK.' If the vehicle is not in the 'PARK' position and the parking brake is not applied, there is a risk the vehicle will roll away as the driver and other occupants exit the vehicle or anytime thereafter. A vehicle rollaway increases the risk of injury to exiting occupants and bystanders.
Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, as necessary, repair the connection between the shift cable and shift lever, free of charge. The recall began in September 2014. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai's number for this recall is 123.
Campaign 14V434000 on NHTSA.gov
Service brakes, hydraulicJul 18, 2014
Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2011 Sonata vehicles manufactured from December 11, 2009, through September 1, 2010. The affected vehicles may experience a brake fluid leak from the two brake lines that connect the brake system's master cylinder to the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) due to insufficient seal between the inner brake hose and metal brake line fitting.
If the brake lines leak brake sufficient fluid, the brake warning lamp in the instrument cluster will illuminate and longer stopping distance will be required, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake hoses with a revised service part, free of charge. The recall began in September 2014. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai's number for this recall is 122.
Campaign 14V433000 on NHTSA.gov
Exterior lighting, brake lights, switchApr 1, 2013
Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2006-2009 Accent, model year 2007-2011 Azera, Sonata and Sante Fe,2006-2011 Tucson, 2009-2011 Elantra Touring, 2007-2010 Elantra, 2008-2011 Veracruz, 2009-2011 Genesis, 2010-2011 Genesis Coupe, 2007-2008 Entourage, and 2006-2008 Tiburon vehicles. Originally, in April 2013, Hyundai recalled 1,059,824 model year 2007-2009 Accent and Tucson, model year 2007-2010 Elantra, model year 2007-2011 Santa Fe, model year 2008-2009 Veracruz, model year 2010-2011 Genesis Coupe, and model year 2011 Sonata vehicles. In September 2013, Hyundai informed the agency that it was adding more vehicles to this campaign, representing an additional 652,512 units. The total number of vehicles being recalled is now 1,712,336. In the affected vehicles, the stop lamp switch may malfunction. A malfunctioning stop lamp switch may cause the brake lights to not illuminate when the brake pedal is depressed or may cause an inability to deactivate the cruise control by depressing the brake pedal. Additionally, a malfunctioning stop lamp switch may also result in intermittent operation of the push-button start feature, affect the operation of the brake transmission shift interlock feature, preventing the shifter from being moved out of the PARK position and cause the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) malfunction light to illuminate.
Failure to illuminate the stop lamps during braking or inability to disengage the cruise control could increase the risk of a crash. Additionally, when the ignition is in the 'ON' position, the transmission shifter may be able to be moved out of Park without first applying the brake. This may lead to unintentional movement of the car which may increase the risk of a crash.
Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the stop lamp switch, free of charge. The safety recall began on April 22, 2013. Owners may contact Hyundai at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai's recall campaign number is 110.
Campaign 13V113000 on NHTSA.gov
Steering, gear box, shaft sectorOct 1, 2010
HYUNDAI IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 SONATA VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM DECEMBER 11, 2009, THROUGH SEPTEMBER 10, 2010. ON SOME OF THESE VEHICLES THE STEERING COLUMN INTERMEDIATE SHAFT UNIVERSAL JOINT CONNECTIONS MAY HAVE BEEN EITHER IMPROPERLY ASSEMBLED OR INSUFFICIENTLY TIGHTENED.
IMPROPER ASSEMBLY OR INSUFFICIENT TIGHTENING OF THE CONNECTIONS COULD RESULT IN A COMPLETE SEPARATION OR COMPROMISED ATTACHMENT OF THE CONNECTIONS, SUCH THAT THE DRIVER COULD EXPERIENCE A LOSS OF, OR REDUCTION IN, STEERING CAPABILITY INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE STEERING COLUMN INTERMEDIATE SHAFT UNIVERSAL JOINT CONNECTIONS FOR PROPER ASSEMBLY AND TORQUE. IN ADDITION DEALERS WILL UPDATE THE POWER STEERING SOFTWARE FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 11, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HYUNDAI CUSTOMER SERVICE CENTER AT 1-787-999-3333.
Campaign 10V457000 on NHTSA.gov
Steering, gear box, shaft sectorSep 20, 2010
HYUNDAI IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 SONATA VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM DECEMBER 11, 2009, THROUGH SEPTEMBER 10, 2010. ON SOME OF THESE VEHICLES THE STEERING COLUMN INTERMEDIATE SHAFT UNIVERSAL JOINT CONNECTIONS MAY HAVE BEEN EITHER IMPROPERLY ASSEMBLED OR INSUFFICIENTLY TIGHTENED.
IMPROPER ASSEMBLY OR INSUFFICIENT TIGHTENING OF THE CONNECTIONS COULD RESULT IN A COMPLETE SEPARATION OR COMPROMISED ATTACHMENT OF THE CONNECTIONS, SUCH THAT THE DRIVER COULD EXPERIENCE A LOSS OF, OR REDUCTION IN, STEERING CAPABILITY INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE STEERING COLUMN INTERMEDIATE SHAFT UNIVERSAL JOINT CONNECTIONS FOR PROPER ASSEMBLY AND TORQUE. IN ADDITION DEALERS WILL UPDATE THE POWER STEERING SOFTWARE FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING OCTOBER 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HYUNDAI CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE CENTER AT 1-800-633-5151.
Campaign 10V426000 on NHTSA.gov
Latches/locks/linkages, doors, latchMar 2, 2010
HYUNDAI-KIA HAS NOTIFIED NHTSA ABOUT A DEFECT IN CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 SONATA VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM DECEMBER 11, 2009 THROUGH FEBRUARY 15, 2010. THE FRONT INSIDE DOOR LOCK SWITCH CAN REMAIN IN THE UNLATCHED POSITION.
THE DOOR MAY NOT BE IN THE LOCKED POSITION AND MAY OPEN WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN INJURY TO THE DRIVER OR PASSENGER.
HYUNDAI-KIA WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND DEALERS WILL REPAIR THE VEHICLES BY REPLACING LATCHES AFFECTED BY THIS RECALL CAMPAIGN FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 12, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HYUNDAI CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE CENTER AT 1-800-633-5151.
Campaign 10V070000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: engine
1,011 reports, newest first. Show all
Engine, Fuel system, Gasoline, Mar 25, 2024
The contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Sonata. The contact was informed of NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V568000 (Engine), and the vehicle was taken to the dealer for the recall repair; however, the dealer informed the contact that the knock sensor detection system (KSDS) software update and the recall repair had already been performed on the vehicle. The contact stated that a failure related to the recall recurred while driving. The contact stated while driving approximately 60 MPH, the vehicle stalled. No warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to get the vehicle to the shoulder of the highway. The vehicle was towed to the residence, where the contact was able to drive the vehicle again; however, the failure recurred several times. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with a fuel pump failure, and an oil leak. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.
Vehicle speed control, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Mar 19, 2024
I changed my oil on Saturday and it now has no oil. The engine light started flashing and my engine seized up. Now it does not run at all. It turns on halfway where the dashboard turns on but the motor/engine does not turn. It appears to be white smoke coming out of the car after trying to turn it back on.
Engine, Mar 18, 2024
Vehicle stalled while driving
Engine, Mar 3, 2024
November 2021 I was coming home from work when the engine started making a horrible noise. I limped the vehicle home and contacted Hyundai and was told to bring the vehicle in to the dealership. It was stated that Hyundai had closed the campaign on the knock sensor the week before bringing it in, but they would try. About a month later the dealership called and said that I needed to come get the car due to they were selling the dealership lot. I towed it there and towed it home and have continued to peruse actions to correct the lifetime warranty that is offered due to shavings left in the engine when manufactured. Found another recall that said my vehicle is affected by this recall and to scheduled a service appointment. When delivering the car back off yesterday at the new dealership that took over, I was informed that the recall would probably fail due to another recall that had never been preformed, which is a recall that I had never been presented with by mail or communication of any sort. This was in the middle of the global pandemic when the world was shut down, and I have never been presented with any recalls from Hyundai. They may have sent notification through the US POSTAL SERVICE, but never came in to my possession, knowledge or mailbox. The contact stated Hyundai refused to proceed with the recall on the vehicle due to the fact that contact had done his own oil changes. The contact is requesting assistance to get Hyundai to honor their obligation.
Engine, Feb 28, 2024
The contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while the vehicle was idling, the vehicle shuddered and then lost motive power. The contact shifted the transmission into neutral(N) while stopping or reversing to prevent the vehicle from shutting off. The check engine, air bag, and fuel level warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined that the engine was faulty and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V568000 (Engine). The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle had previously been repaired in 2015 under NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V568000 (Engine); however, the failure recurred. The contact stated that he did not own the vehicle at the time of the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.
Electrical system, Engine, Feb 12, 2024
Engine leaks/burns oil too frequently. Every other week I’m continuously having to put oil to refill levels. Also electrical system for turn signals is always going in and out. Sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn’t. Safety hazard because other vehicles can’t tell that I’m turning.
Engine, Feb 2, 2024
The contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving approximately 45 MPH, the instrument cluster started showing numerous warning lights. The contact stated that the vehicle was losing motive power. The contact depressed the accelerator pedal; however, the vehicle failed to respond as needed. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled and lost power steering and braking functionality. The contact was able to coast to the side of the road and turned off the vehicle. The contact started smelling a burning odor in the cabin of the vehicle and saw smoke coming from under the hood. The contact exited the vehicle and opened the hood, and a large cloud of smoke was released. There were no flames, but the contact smelled the odor of melted plastic and rubber. The Fire Department was called but the vehicle did not catch on fire. The contact had the vehicle towed to the residence. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or independent mechanic. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that prior to the failure, the vehicle had been consuming an abnormal amount of engine oil. The contact stated he was adding one quart of engine oil per week. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V568000 (Engine) however, the VIN was not included. The failure mileage was approximately 189,000.
Engine, Jan 27, 2024
Oil consumption excessive. I've been doing my monthly and annual maintenance engine ticks. I've added oil every 2 weeks every 200 miles.
Engine, Jan 17, 2024
We bought this used car for my daughter, then I found out there was issues with the engine. We had it for 6 months and the engine seized as she was driving it on the highway . She got to pull off to the side of highway . We had it towed to our mechanic, hoping it was the battery or something simple . He told us it was a blown engine and there was PLENTY OF OIL AND ANTIFREEZE IN IT . HE THEN TOLD US THE HE LOOKED AT IT AND COULD NOT BELIEVE IT WAS BLOWN , WITH THE OIL STILL IN IT . WE had to buy a new rebuilt engine and pay for the mechanics time . There has been issues with this engine’s. How do we get the engine payed for , with the problem they have . This wasn’t a neglect part on us . I would like to get REIMBURSE FOR THE NEW ENGINE ( rebuilt ) not our neglect, but the way they built the engine / oil pan
Engine, Jan 17, 2024
Engine uses oil excessively, stopped suddenly on highway, Hyundai America refused to authorize oil consumption test car is now in limp mode
Other or unspecified, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Dec 28, 2023
My 2011 Hyundai sonata Engine failed in April 2023. Was towed and the engine was replaced due to the recall. Got car back November 4th 2023. Fuel gauge never went out and after driving about 3 miles the engine light came on. Dec 13th was driving on highway and felt like the car was going to fall apart. Able to get off highway only for the car to die. Every light including some I have never seen came on. Was stuck on the side of the road with my ESA dog in 28°. Temp. For over an hour with no power and hazards starting to dim. I'm disabled and had no help. Local PD towed vehicle and drove me home. Car sat at tow yard collecting fees as I was waiting for the dealership to call me back. Finally got help with paying the tow yard company only to be stuck once again for over an hour in the cold and then denied a tow to the dealership since they decided to cancel my appointment by text while I was on with Hyundai roadside assistance. They denied any help. Luckily the tow yard felt bad and made a call for me and a friend came and paid the 160.00 tow truck to get the car back to my house. They have now not returned my calls and the case manager has not responded as well. This is unacceptable. I don't have any money and I have no idea how they can get away with treating a disabled person in the winter days before Christmas by letting me be stranded twice on the side of the road with an engine that has less than 10 miles on it.
Service brakes, Engine, Dec 12, 2023
Code p1326; vehicle equipped with YELLOW diptick
Engine, Dec 12, 2023
I have a problem that Hyundai is known for Hyundai oil consumption. I bought my car into a nearby shop for service because my car shut down while driving on the highway. The shop advised me the engine was full of oil.
Engine, Dec 7, 2023
Very high oil consumption. Tested with dealer and came out at 1qt/1 mile. Knok sensor detection system was installed while in warranty but they won't replace the engine.
Engine, Dec 3, 2023
My car is at the Hyundai dealership now for almost 3 months to get 14 recalls done and also there was a lawsuit a few years ago that the engine was getting still an oil into the engine. My car was affected by that I just bought the car in 2021 I did not know about it. I’m needing them to swap out the engine as well and it’s been almost 3 months And it’s all recalls that are supposed to be done with my car 14 of them including the engine and the engine is part of the settlement that was done a few years ago Number was ran and it was a part of it, and it had me select the dealership I and that’s where I chose for it to go and it was supposed to be switched out for free
Engine, Dec 1, 2023
I was driving in the middle lane of the NJ parkway going 50mph and the car stalled. I was able to coast to the shoulder and have the car towed to my mechanic. Today I was information the engine is dead and I should contact the dealer. This a replacement engine as the first engine died while driving when the car had 70,000 miles. Hyundai replaced the engine but at 90,000 miles the replacement engine died. I'm wondering if you have reports of this happening. unfortunately the class action suit will not cover my 2011 Hyundai Sonata with 160,000 as it is over the years and mileage of the warranty. The warranty did not start at the time and mileage of the replacement engine but at the time of orginal purchase.
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Nov 13, 2023
10/31/23 Car lost power on freeway. Dash lit up and stalled, I took picture brought to dealership. Could not find any issues or codes. 11/12/23 Driving on Pacific Coast Highway car started making knocking/ticking noise. Pull off to a side street and car hesitated and check engine light came on. Had it towed to dealership. Still waiting on assessment. Was told will take 2-3 days due to backlog. Clearly a known Engine issue dating back to recall campaign 132 Engine/inspection/replace. (I brought into dealership on 2/9/16 to perform checks on the 132 campaign - shows completed).
Engine, Oct 19, 2023
The contact's daughter owns a 2011 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while his daughter was driving 40 MPH, the engine seized. The contact's daughter was able to pull to the side of the road. The vehicle failed to restart and was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that there were metal shavings in the engine. The dealer informed the contact that the engine was replaced with a rebuilt engine. The contact stated while his daughter was driving 50 MPH, the vehicle shuddered, and the engine seized a second time at 96,000 miles. The contact's daughter was able to pull to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who informed the contact that there was no oil in the vehicle. The dealer performed an oil change on the vehicle, and the vehicle restarted. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The failure recurred a week later and there was no oil in the engine. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that there were metal shavings in the oil. Additionally, the mechanic informed the contact that the engine was not replaced but was rebuilt by the dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was opened; however, no further assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 61,000.
Steering, Suspension, Engine, Oct 11, 2023
I started to get engine knocking noises about 6 months after the purchase of the used car. This knocking noise began to increase in frequency as I pressed my foot on the accelerator and the car would not accelerate when I pressed my foot on the gas pedal. Then the car would shut down in the middle of traffic. After waiting about 30 -45 mins, I would try to start the car again and would start and initially run as long as I drove less than 20 miles/hour the knocking noise level would decrease but if I went above 15 - 20 mph the car would shut down. The check engine light and engine oil light would come on. So I would check the engine oil level oil using the dip stick and it showed oil levels were ok. On October 10 2023 while driving to Walmart the engine turned off and would not start after waiting over 1 hour and I was stuck in the mall entrance road. A concerned driver with his passengers pushed the car to a Walmart parking spot where it is currently at. In addition, the traction light kept coming on and I paid the Hyundai dealership $2,800 to repair to keep the car from drifting to the left and to get the light off.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Engine, Oct 6, 2023, fire
The contact owned a 2011 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving at 35 MPH, both her and her passenger smelled a burning odor inside the vehicle's cabin. The contact then noticed that flames were coming from the front end of the vehicle. The contact immediately pulled over and both her and her passenger exited the vehicle. As the contact waited for a fire truck, the vehicle burned to the ground. No injuries were reported and a police report was filed. The vehicle's remains were towed to an independent tow yard. The manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. Upon investigation, the contact discovered that her vehicle was apart of NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V934000(Engine, Fuel System, Gasoline). The vehicle was destroyed. The failure mileage was unknown.
Air bags, Vehicle speed control, Engine, Sep 29, 2023
My car had engine seized while driving on the road with no warning light prior nor other mechanical issues. When the engine seized, all mechanical powers are have lost power including brakes and power steering in which have almost caused a near accident at an early morning rushed hours. The vehicle's odometer reading at 120,836 and was up to date on all normal tune up performances. Other issues that have arise after purchasing the car are: warning light came on for airbag, real loud clunking sound on roof when hitting a bump on the road and engine will not start because of fuel line system issues. Cruise control had also stopped working after a year of purchased.
Engine, Sep 28, 2023
We bought this 2011 Hyundai Sonata from a local dealer in August 2021. The engine failed in March of 2022 (smoking and then died while my daughter was driving the car). We paid a local mechanic to replace the engine with another used engine, not knowing the engine issues associated with Hyundai Sonata models, specifically the 2011 year. The replaced engine died in July 2023, about 5 months later. The warranty we had on the replaced engine was denied to due to a heat tab melting. The first engine (to us, we do not know if was replaced during the 2016 recall) and now the replaced GDI engine have both died. The engine should not be on the market and we contacted the local Hyundai dealer to see if they could help us out. They denied service because we replaced the engine ourselves with another mechanic. This is a critical safety issue and Hyundai should be held responsible to get these engines off the market and reimburse customers for all expenses related to the repair or replacement of the engines regardless of where it was fixed. Now there is a new recall related to these engines https://apnews.com/article/hyundai-kia-engine-fire-recall-park-outside-93d012a52e7b884889cdaf2e6c22a458, where customers are being told to not park in structures due to fire hazard/risk. And I read recently that Hyundai has been slow to recall cars and fined by NHTSA for this very reason. Our model is not currently in an open recall, but it doesn't make sense that both engines failed...both GDI engines. This should be addressed by Hyundai and we should be reimbursed for the expenses paid by us to fix their poor engine design and the safety issues associated with this make/model/year.
Engine and engine cooling, Sep 27, 2023
The contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35-40 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. The vehicle was towed to a certified mechanic who diagnosed that cylinder #4 had failed causing the engine to seize. The engine was replaced with a used engine. The engine was replaced at approximately 109,000 miles. The contact stated that while driving for approximately 45 minutes, the contact noticed that the vehicle would not exceed 60 MPH. The check engine warning light started flashing. The contact continued to drive the vehicle to a rest stop. After being parked for a while and then restarting the vehicle, several unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle then failed to exceed 45 MPH. The vehicle was towed to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the engine had seized due to a lack of engine oil. The contact stated that the engine oil had been changed approximately 2 weeks prior to the failure. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 89,000.
Engine, Sep 13, 2023
The contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that the vehicle had been consuming an abnormal amount of engine oil. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The failure was not duplicated and only noted as consuming unusual amounts of engine oil. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.
Engine, Sep 12, 2023
Engine failed while on interstate at 65 miles per hour. Was almost rearended before I could coast it to the side of the road. Tried restarting it and engine began to smoke. Had it towed to a mechanic and then home. Mechanic stated that engine had seized. Received no warning lights before failure.